12 May 2008

There is simply not a city in the Midwest apart from Chicago that has anything near the great assets of Cincy. It is an embarrassment of riches....Drive around Cincinnati and you'll notice that much of the great architecture is in a shocking state of disrepair. While the buildings weren't wholesale cleared as part of the botched urban renewal movement, the city still has a sort of bombed out feel in many places. ...it is interesting me that such an incredible place hasn't experienced one of America's great urban renaissances. I believe the potential is still there, albeit latent at the moment.

It just goes to show that ... cities are about people, not just buildings. All the great geography, architecture, etc. in the world isn't a sufficient condition to create a thriving, dynamic city.

As someone moving from Indianpolis to Cincinnati. I see the incredible potential in OTR and other Urban neighborhoods there. I participated in the turnaround of several downtown areas in Indianpolis and I see the same thing happening in Cincinnati, which is why I and my business are moving there.Once the ball starts rolling with restoration, it becomes a freight train and I think many will be surprised how fast things turn around.

Yeah, I lived in Indy for two years, so it's interesting to read his thoughts on it now. It's also strange to visit it now and already see evidence of initiatives that were being proposed when I lived there [00-02]. It's inspiring to know that things can move quickly in the right climate. On the other hand, I dare say that Cincinnati has a more interesting urban culture and a more distinct infrastructure than Indy.